Golden Triangle of Art
10:00
Museo del Prado
Museum · Book ahead
Head straight to Velázquez’s Las Meninas before the groups arrive. Check official hours and buy a ticket before relying on this slot.
€15
13:30
Mercado de San Miguel
Lunch · Market stalls
Iron-and-glass market from 1916 — grab jamón ibérico cones and a vermút. Eat standing like a madrileño.
€20
16:00
Royal Palace of Madrid
Attraction · Timed entry
Europe’s largest royal palace by floor area — the armory is the sleeper hit. Wednesday afternoons are quietest.
€14
23:00
Churros at Chocolatería San Ginés
Late night · No booking
Open since 1894 and 24 hours — churros dunked in thick chocolate is how Madrid ends a night, not starts a day.
€6
Getting around: 10 min stroll into Retiro Park